The 10 Commandments of Camping

By Jessica Sanders

For devout campers, there are certain undeniable and unspoken "truths." Some of them sound like this: Glamping? pffftt. Steal your neighbor's firewood? I don't think so. Others, however, come from a place of compassion—from spending years outside connecting with the natural world and those who live in it.

Whether you're a first-time camper, or a long-time fan, keep these 10 commandments in mind—however serious or silly they are.

1. Thou shalt camp whenever possible

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Camping is not just good for your soul; it improves imagination and cognitive function, and leads to a healthier life, according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). It's also inexpensive compared to most vacations.

Always choose a tent over a hotel room and a camping trip over an expensive week at the theme park.

5. Thou shalt honor the natural world

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"Nature is fuel for the soul...Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature," says Richard Ryan, lead author of Vitalizing Effects of Being Outdoors and in Nature.

Give thanks by connecting with nature. Volunteer with the Public Lands Program, find a place to help on National Public Lands Day, or simply follow the Leave No Trace principles when you're camping and hiking.

6. Thou shall not harm wildlife

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You don't have to physically hurt an animal to harm it; though you shouldn't do that, either. Simply feeding an animal food from your camp can be dangerous for you, the animal and other campers. When you give wildlife food from your site it may come back for more, which can bother your neighbors and future campers.

If you see an animal at the campsite or on the trail, let it be. If the animal is dangerous, follow the proper procedure to protect yourself and others around you.

7. Thou shalt not make a reservation and then not show up

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The popularity of camping is on the rise. In 2012, 38 million people went camping, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years. If you ignore your reservation, you take the opportunity away from someone else.

Choose a campground with walk-in sites. If you aren't sure whether you can go or not, you can make a last-minute decision.

8. Thou shalt not steal from thy neighbors

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You shouldn't steal from someone at home, and you definitely shouldn't steal from someone while camping. This is an unspoken rule, as most people leave expensive gear, food and clothing around the campsite while hiking for the afternoon, for example.

Even inexpensive items like firewood should be left untouched. If your neighbor leaves, you can take the wood; but it's courteous to ask first.

9. Thou shalt never lie about thy's location

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Whether you stay in a developed camping area or make camp in a primitive location, it's important that someone knows where you are. In the event that something happens, this person can alert the appropriate people.

Especially when primitive camping, always give your location, date of departure and date of return to a close friend or family member. Use exact map coordinates if you're not at a developed camping area.

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